2000 Miles Together – my thoughts

If you want to know what the book was about, read the blurb on Goodreads or wherever you prefer to buy books. There is already a full-blown review here on The Trek. These are simply my thoughts, as posted on Goodreads.

I followed the Crawford family on Instagram all the way through their Appalachian Trail thru-hike in 2018. I was mesmerized.

In January I had decided that 1) I was no longer unemployed but retired and 2) I was going to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in 2020 and celebrate my 70th birthday on the trail. And here was this family of eight thru-hiking the trail in very much their own way. Mesmerized, yes, but also inspired.

I read “2000 Miles Together” pretty much in one sitting. Even stopping for potty breaks was a challenge. It’s that good.

The Instagram posts were open and raw, as was the hour-long video they released five months later, but by their nature, they could not go into the backstory and the thinking behind the decisions and actions. That had to wait for the book. Ben Crawford and editor Meaghan McCracken together weave a superb narrative that allows all the voices, Ben’s, Kami’s, and those of all six children, to be heard.

It is a beautiful story. Highly recommended.

Blessings,
Steve / pearwood
Soli Deo Gloria

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Comments 8

  • dave beaty : Dec 23rd

    Sounds really interesting!

    Reply
    • pearwood : Dec 23rd

      Well worth reading.

      Reply
  • Russ1663 : Dec 24th

    Good morning. I believe we have some similar paths in life; I was an Army Engineer in the last century. I’m 71 and been hiking since I retired, again, 6 years ago. I have “2000 Miles Together” on my reading list. I’m a section hiker in eastern Virginia. Mostly local trails but would run away to Damascus on the AT if nudged hard enough. Take care, stay safe. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

    Reply
    • pearwood : Dec 24th

      Thanks, Russ. Maybe I’ll see you in 2022.
      A blessed Christmas to you and yours.
      Steve

      Reply
  • Russ1663 : Jan 12th

    Read “2000 Miles Together”. Amazing look at family dynamics under stress. I believe only a tiny percentage of family groups could accomplish this feat. Need to watch “To The Treeline”

    Reply
    • pearwood : Jan 12th

      It is quite a crew.

      Reply
  • Ben Crawford : Jan 13th

    Thank you so much for the kinds words and I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I wish you the best on your hike this year! We hope to be out there giving some trail magic in March so it would be fun to see you! – Ben

    Reply
    • pearwood : Jan 14th

      Thanks, Ben!
      It’s looking more like I will delay until 2022 and hike within New York State this year. I realized that I have my heart set on doing the entire trail end-to-end in one (long!) venture. That cancels out a flip-flop. And I want to be able to enjoy the community on the trail and in town without the pandemic hanging over my head. That means I’ll be 71 when I hit the trail, but stranger things have happened.
      Blessings,
      Steve

      Reply

What Do You Think?